The first College Football Playoff rankings of the season drew immediate criticism, with Notre Dame placed at No. 11 and Alabama at No. 5, while Ohio State fell out of the playoff picture. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens will start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback in Week 9 due to injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
CFP Rankings Stir Debate
The selection committee's initial top 25 appeared to favor SEC teams, with Alabama ranked fifth despite a loss, while UCLA and Ohio State were penalized for losing their starting quarterbacks. Notre Dame's No. 11 placement surprised many observers. The rankings will evolve over the next five weeks before the playoff field is set.
Ravens' Quarterback Crisis
With Jackson undergoing thumb surgery and Huntley sidelined by turf toe, Fagnano, an undrafted rookie who served as emergency third quarterback on Sunday, gets the start. The Ravens also signed Kedon Slovis from Green Bay's practice squad for depth. Baltimore may explore trade options for a veteran backup before the deadline.
Mariners Hire Inexperienced Manager
Seattle hired Jason Kanzler, 36, as manager despite no prior managerial experience. Kanzler, formerly the Cubs' director of player development, replaces Dan Wilson. He becomes the second-youngest manager in MLB. Joe Espada was the other reported finalist.
Champions League: United Comeback
Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford, easing pressure on manager Michael Carrick. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also won on Matchday 4. Manchester City face RB Leipzig next.
Fantasy Football & NFL Notes
Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. emerged as a top waiver-wire target after increased carries. Quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix, wide receivers Makai Lemon and Antonio Williams, and tight ends Eli Raridon and Dalton Schultz are also recommended adds. Pete Prisco's Week 9 power rankings show the Steelers rising to No. 10, with the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Cardinals making large jumps.
NBA Bracketology & Other News
Early NBA playoff projections place the Knicks as a fourth seed in the East despite an 0-3 start. Injury-hit teams like the Thunder, Raptors, Timberwolves, and Magic are seeded lower. The Liberty fired coach Chris DeMarco, Canelo Alvarez returned to the top 10 in boxing rankings, and MLB free agency may accelerate ahead of a potential December lockout.
